Historic Approach 1

• (AO1) Give the intro

  Theories that link criminal behaviour to biological form and function are:

  • Atavistic Theory (Lombroso)
  • Somatotype (Sheldon)
  • Extra Y Syndrome
• (AO1) Give the intro to the Atavistic Form theory - compare with older explanations of criminality

  Older explanations of criminality were often religious, suggesting criminals were possessed by demons.

  
  

  However, Lombroso challenged these ideas when he published his scientific theory of the Atavistic Form in “the criminal man” in 1876.
• (AO1) Explain what the Atavistic Form Theory suggests

  The Atavistic form suggests that criminals are at a more primitive stage of human evolution than non-criminals, so are regarded as evolutionary “throwbacks”.

  
  

  This means that criminality is innate and can be inherited.

  
  

  Due to their savage and untamed nature, these individuals may find it impossible to adjust to civilised society and would inevitably turn to crime, resulting in criminality not being the offender’s fault.
• (AO1) State what Lombroso argued & give examples

  • Argued that criminals can be identified by their physical differences that resemble their primitive ancestors, helping to distinguish criminals from non-criminals.

  E.g. = physical characteristics could include: larger or smaller skulls than the local average, prominent frontal sinuses, femoral muscles, large jaw and asymmetrical eyes.

  • Likewise, different types of criminals can be identified also by their defining physical features.

  E.g. = thieves were more likely to have flat noses and fleshy lips among rapists.
• (AO1) Give the conclusion of Lombroso's Atavistic Form Theory

  Through using careful biological measurements of over 4000 living and dead criminals to support his Atavistic Form, Lombroso’s work argues that criminal behaviour has distinct physical characteristics, and is therefore biologically determined.
• (AO3) Give a limitation of Lombroso's Atavistic Form theory - racism

  Point: The Atavistic Form is an example of scientific racism.

  
  

  Evidence: Claimed that biological features, such as "dark skin" were indicators of criminality. This promoted racial bias, and led to issues like biased IQ testing, which has negatively impacted black communities.

  
  

  Evaluate: As a result, his theory undermines the credibility of psychology as an objective science, suggesting research can be influenced by racial prejudice. This damages trust in psychology and reduces the validity of his findings.
• (AO3) Give a strength of Lombroso's Atavistic Form Theory - careful measurements

  Point (1) : Lombroso’s work was conducted with careful measurements of around 4000 living and dead criminals.

  Evaluate(1): Paving the way for more scientific approaches to criminal research.

  
  

  Point (2): By rejecting free will in favour of biological determinism.

  Evaluate (2): Causes outside of the criminal’s control could be considered in the justice system, helping arguments for less severe punishments.
• (AO3) Limitation of L's Atavistic Form Theory - cause and effect

  P: Atavistic form may confused cause and effect.

  
  

  E: L suggested certain physical features cause criminality. However, possible that individuals with these traits are rejected by society, leading to social exclusion, and, in turn, criminal behaviour.

  
  

  E: Suggests criminal stereotypes create a self-fufilling prophecy, individuals labeled as criminals based on appearance, increasing likelihood of them engaging in crime. Challenges validity of L's theory, fails to account for social influences on offending behaviour.
• (AO1) Define the Somatotype Theory

  Created by Sheldon (1949)

  Stated that criminality is linked to temperament, in which temperament is linked to our bodily built:

  • Ectomorph (tall, thin, restrained, nervous)
  • Endomorph (round, relaxed, sociable)
  • Mesomorph (athletic, active, assertive)

  The mesomorph's personality makes individuals more likely to engage in criminal activity.
• (AO1) Describe his method & result & limitation of his overall work

  Method =

  To test the statement, thousands of photographs were rated 1-7 for mesomorphy. Sample contained college students and delinquents.

  
  

  Result =

  Delinquents had higher mesomorphy ratings (4.6 vs 3.8)

  
  

  However =

  Even though Sheldon's work is no longer taken seriously, there is a small association between bodily built and criminality

  • Influence of testosterone on the body & behaviour
  • Effects of stereotypes and labelling
• (AO1) Explain how chromosomal abnormalities link to crime

  Extra Y Syndrome suggested to lead to:

  • High testosterone levels
  • Powerful bodily build
  • Heightened aggression
  • Propensity for violent crime

  However Graham et al 2007 discovered that XYY males have:

  • Normal testosterone levels
  • Normal aggression levels
  • Are tall, but not necessarily powerful
  • Prone to developmental disorders & learning difficulties = why their crimes are not violent.

  XYY males rare in general population but over-represented in offender population.
• Give overall conclusion

  • Single factor theories of criminality are always likely to fail.
  • 'Crime' is not a natural or homogenous (old-fashioned) category of behaviour.
  • It is self evident that crime is the result of an interaction between a range of factors (biological, environmental and psychological).
  • In which there are different explanations for different types of crime.